Sucks to be Second

I think I should start this one off with an apology. An apology to the second child, the younger one, the handmedowner, the everyone's been there done that before I was even born. Max, you have not gotten as much individual attention as your brother did.

I realize I have a few years before he can read this and a few more before he can truly comprehend. By then I'm hoping I can make it up to him in the form of a new car. Maybe a used new car. At least one that wasn't previously driven by his older brother.

This difference really hit home to me last week when we had the chance to attend Toronto's new Kidville location. For those who aren't familiar with Kidville, it's essentially an indoor gym/playground, offers kid/family-friendly classes and a houses hip boutique (toys and clothes).

It was awesome.

We were signed up for a Rockin' Railroad class, but arrived early which gave us some time in the "Playspace". Since it was cold, wet and windy outside, the Playspace gave us an opportunity to burn off some energy.

The boys bounced on the trampoline, jumped in the foam pit, balanced, careened and generally caused havoc. In the padded, brightly coloured room, it was perfect. The Top 40 soundtrack had them dancing while giving parents a break from the regular wheels on the bus go up the waterspout twinkling in the sky. You know what I'm saying.

When the class began was when I really noticed how we haven't been doing enough of this kind of thing with the little one. He was in awe. There were two leaders who interacted directly with the kids, playing instruments, breaking out puppets and generally entertaining while two more staff were backing them up on a full drum kit and keyboard set. It really was rocking. There was movement, song, bright colours and enough energy that I was fully into it. The little guy couldn't get enough of the music, the puppets and the instruments. When class ended, all four of us were wiped out, with smiles from ear to ear.

The only knock is that it's a bit more on the pricey side than other similar offerings, but the quality (of both the class and the physical space) were well above other providers. Also it's a bit far from where we live, but for parents (or grandparents or nannies, of which there were more than one) in the area, it would be ideal.

They offer a variety of classes. Winter registration is open now and the full schedule is here.



A huge thank you to Kidville for the free trial and a great time with both the little one and the big one.